Letter: Obtaining zero-emission needed

The climate crisis was in focus at the recent city budget hearings. Council members and members of the public alike called for accelerated climate action from the city, including a separate department to tackle the climate emergency and improved city goals: community-wide, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with 45% emissions reductions by 2030.

Alex Crowley, head of economic and sustainable development, seemed unsure about the requests, countering that climate action is something “we all have to do.” Crowley is correct that climate change must inform the work of all city staff, which is precisely why a separate department is needed — to coordinate across city government and prioritize action based on new goals that are actually in line with climate science.

We must strive harder for a zero-emissions future that preserves a livable climate and a Bloomington the next generation can enjoy, as our current goals and focus simply will not get us there. If pursued with appropriate resources and creativity, this will enhance our economic resilience, equity in our housing and transportation, the vitality of Bloomington’s arts and our quality of place.